20 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2018
2018 was a year that overflowed with musical vibes and swanky tunes.
Let’s dive right into the world of the most fabulous and richest music maestros of 2018:
1. Ed Sheeran
Age: 27
Earnings: $110 million
With his exceptional gift for crafting hit songs, Ed Sheeran dominated the charts in 2018.
2. Bruno Mars
Age: 32
Earnings: $100 million
Bruno Mars, known for his dynamic and electrifying performances, kept his fans on their toes with his sensational hits. His versatile music style and energetic stage presence have garnered him immense popularity worldwide.
3. Katy Perry
Age: 34
Earnings: $83 million
Katy Perry continued her reign as pop royalty with her catchy tunes and vibrant music videos.
4. Taylor Swift
Age: 29
Earnings: $80 million
Taylor Swift blended her country roots with pop elements, creating chart-topping hits.
5. Jay-Z
Age: 49
Earnings: $76.5 million
Jay-Z, with his profound lyrics and groundbreaking beats, has maintained his status as a hip-hop mogul. His influence extends beyond music, making significant impacts in business and culture.
6. Roger Waters
Age: 75
Earnings: $68 million
Roger Waters, the visionary behind many of Pink Floyd’s iconic songs, continued to awe audiences with his legendary sound and thought-provoking themes, securing his place as a rock legend.
7. Diddy
Age: 49
Earnings: $64 million
Diddy, with his diverse ventures and innovative music, has solidified his position as a multifaceted tycoon in the entertainment industry.
8. Beyoncé
Age: 37
Earnings: $60 million
Beyoncé, with her powerful vocals and dynamic performances, remains the undisputed queen of pop.
9. Kendrick Lamar
Age: 31
Earnings: $58 million
Kendrick Lamar, known for his profound and powerful lyrics, has redefined hip-hop with his thought-provoking music, earning acclaim as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
10. The Weeknd
Age: 28
Earnings: $57 million
The Weeknd has emerged as a global sensation, renowned for his haunting vocals and evocative lyrics, blending R&B with other musical genres to create his unique sound.
11. Pink
Age: 39
Earnings: $52 million
Pink continues to captivate audiences with her rebellious spirit and anthemic pop-rock tunes, showcasing her distinctive voice and unapologetic attitude.
12. Luke Bryan
Age: 42
Earnings: $52 million
Luke Bryan, with his infectious tunes and charismatic presence, has become one of the leading figures in country music, bringing a fresh and modern twist to the genre.
13. Jimmy Buffett
Age: 71
Earnings: $51 million
Jimmy Buffett transported fans to tropical paradises with his relaxing and feel-good music, embodying the spirit of island escapism.
14. Lady Gaga
Age: 32
Earnings: $50 million
Lady Gaga continued to redefine her musical style, blending genres and pushing boundaries.
15. Calvin Harris
Age: 34
Earnings: $48 million
Calvin Harris kept the party going with his pulsating beats and infectious rhythms, standing out as a master of creating dance floor anthems.
15. Paul McCartney
Age: 76
Earnings: $47.5 million
Paul McCartney, with his timeless tunes and enduring appeal, remains a living legend, continuing to influence generations with his music.
16. Drake
Age: 32
Earnings: $47 million
Drake, known for his catchy hooks and versatile style, has dominated the streaming platforms, setting records and becoming one of the most-streamed artists in the world.
17. Jennifer Lopez
Age: 49
Earnings: $47 million
Jennifer Lopez has proven her mettle as an actress, dancer, and singer. Her alluring performances continue to garner her international acclaim.
18. Elton John
Age: 71
Earnings: $46 million
Elton John, with his exceptional songwriting and flamboyant performances, continues to entertain the world with his timeless music, maintaining his status as a musical icon.
19. Garth Brooks
Age: 56
Earnings: $45.5 million
Garth Brooks, with his compelling storytelling and heartfelt performances, has left an indelible mark on country music.
20. Billy Joel
Age: 69
Earnings: $43.5 million
Billy Joel, with his storytelling prowess and melodic compositions, remains one of the most beloved musicians, with songs that have become anthems for generations.
Several high-profile musicians like Rihanna, J. Cole, Dr. Dre, and Nas secured substantial earnings, exceeding $30 million, yet couldn’t secure a spot within the top 30. Their contributions to the music industry are nevertheless noteworthy. Additionally, certain artists could have potentially secured higher positions with different categorization methods. For instance, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who each made the list as solo artists, collaborated on a joint album and tour. Collectively, the power couple, known as the Carters, amassed earnings of $136.5 million, surpassing every other individual act on the list.
The stated figures represent pretax earnings from June 1, 2017, to June 1, 2018, and do not account for deductions such as fees for agents, managers, and lawyers. The data has been compiled from various sources including Nielsen SoundScan, NPD BookScan, industry insiders, and Forbes‘ own estimates.
